"... Build freedom of expression values into the laws and architectures that support online communication. The Internet was originally designed primarily for communication and educational purposes. The ability to communicate across the globe without any intermediaryâ€™s interference, to seek out desired knowledge, and freely associate with ideas and communities close to oneâ€™s heart, are at the core of what makes the Internet such a powerful tool for development. These specific early infrastructural design choices remain key to the Internetâ€™s contribution as a global resource for knowledge and development. We can bridge the gap in the digital divide by continuing to design the Internet with these ends in mind, and implement technical protocols and public policy choices that encourage the Internet as a tool of unencumbered free expression and access to knowledge. If we choose anything other than an â€œInternet for Developmentâ€, we are building a wall that serves to widen the gap between those with a wealth of information at their fingertips and those starved for knowledge. ..."

I speak on behalf of the A2K@IGF Dynamic Coalition, whoâ€™s purpose is to support and expand Access to Knowledge and promote freedom of expression in the realm of information and communication technology. Our coalition is particularly concerned with the impact that unbalanced intellectual property rights have on the Internet as a tool of free expression, innovation, education, and development. A2K@IGF joins in supporting the statement from Brazil and Argentina this morning to focus the openness theme on fundamental rights and open standards, and the diversity theme on knowledge production and sharing. ...

Our coalition is particularly concerned about the impact that unbalanced intellectual property rights have on the Internet as a tool of free expression, innovation, education, and development. One focus of the coalition is setting methodologies or best practice norms for the implementation of laws dealing with Technological Protection Measures (TPM) and Digital Rights Management (DRM) restrictions, which have been shown to present serious impediments to access to knowledge and the free flow of information. Another focus is on coordinating participation and awareness of Access to Knowledge (A2K) activities at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), including proposals for a Development Agenda and an Access to Knowledge Treaty at WIPO. Another area of concern for our coalition is with increasing attempts to impose liability on third parties, particularly information providers, for the infringing activities of others. ...

An important goal of our coalition is to make recommendations for implementation of the anti-circumvention provisions contained in the 1996 WIPO â€œInternet Treatiesâ€ and more recent bi-lateral trade agreements. Therefore key deliverables will be the development of â€œbest practice normsâ€ for DRM technologies and anti-circumvention laws and report our progress at the 2007 IGF meeting in Rio de Janeiro.

Consumer Groups Support Public Access Act
Consumers Union, CPT, IPJ and others support bill requiring key federal funders to post research on the Iinternet
WASHINGTON, DC â€“ Eight consumer groups have announced their support for the Federal Research Public Access Act of 2006 (S.2695). The Act was introduced on May 2, 2006 by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) […]

“Tragedy of the Commons”: Intellectual Property Rights in the Information Age
The Threat to Civil Liberties and Innovation Posed by Expanding Copyrights
By Robin D. Gross, Esq.
IP Justice Executive Director
www.ipjustice.org
Published by MIT Press, 2006

0. Introduction
As we enter an information age, the rules governing the use and dissemination of information become increasingly important. Clashes between fundamental freedom […]

Circumvention Prohibitions Reconsidered:
Why America’s Mistake is Europe’s Future
By Robin D. Gross, IP Justice
I. US and EU Pressured to Outlaw Consumer Circumvention
Today lawmakers all over the world are both dreaming of the opportunities and grappling with the challenges that digital technology creates for authors and distributors of intellectual property. At the same time, consumers express excitement […]